Chickenpox vaccination

[Nso83]

Hi there,

My dd is 4, nearly 5. I've been thinking of getting her privately vaccinated against chicken pox. I've read that it entails two vaccinations at least 6 weeks apart.

We go abroad in 6 weeks' time & the earliest I can get her booked in for the initial consultation and first vaccination is in 2 weeks' time.

I want to avoid dd getting CP before or whilst we're abroad. I'm trying to understand whether, if we gave her the first dose in 2 weeks, she could then react with CP. Also, whether there is actually any benefit in her having the first dose before we go away- e.g. would it give her some immunity to it? Or, if we want her to have it is it best just to hope she doesn't get it before or during our holiday and do it all when we get back?

Another aspect of this is that I am 7 weeks pregnant following a private cycle of ivf. I had CP when i was young but i'm now on steroids until 12 weeks as part of my ivf medication. Fertility clinic/GP have not been v helpful in advising on this, save to say i should already have immunity.

Any advice would be gratefully received!

The first dose provides good immunity, so get that asap. I was told 4 weeks between doses so you may be able to have the second before you go away. If you’re worried see if you can get an earlier first appointment. Lots of travel clinics offer it.

I am pregnant and looked into the position of chicken pox and pregnancy. The medical advice is clear - if you have had chicken pox you will be immune and so there’s no need to worry. So your clinic are relating this advice.

Thank you so much! That’s so helpful.

DD had hers at Boots literally a month apart to the day - I'd phone them up tomorrow and get her booked in. No side effects that I noticed (she was 18 months old at the time)

I was told 4-6 weeks between doses too and that the first dose gives up to 85% immunity so worth doing. It's the most straightforward vaccine we've had, no temp, no discomfort, no side effects at all. Really glad we got it, even though it cost me an absolute fortune because I have twins!